French lop rabbit and Russian blue cat

[Kata]

Hi, I wanted to ask if anyone has the experiences with cats and rabbits under the same roof. My french lop rabbit is neutered and has almost 2 years. In February I am moving to a new house and in the middle of March I am buying a Russian blue cat. The cat will be 17 weeks old and neutered as well.

My questions is basically if you have any advice of how to make them friends and any experience from similar situations?

[DanaNM]

Cats and rabbits are often fine together. Just supervise them at first and be ready with the squirt bottle if the cat gets too rambunctious. I wouldn’t say my cat and bunnies are friends, but my cat often lounges around them and it’s no issue. They will run him off if he gets too close to their condos though.  I also keep my cat’s claws trimmed just in case he swipes at one of them. Many bunnies end up being the boss of the cat, but if the bunny is very skittish they might need more supervision. It is also not recommended to give your cat any toys that resemble bunnies (like those bigger toys they are meant to grab and kick with their back legs) as they might learn to attack the bun that way.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LBJ10]

Unless the cat has an extremely high prey drive, then it normally isn’t much of an issue. They will tolerate each other, but probably won’t be friends. I would definitely recommend supervision, especially in the beginning.

[Kata]

Of course no toys resembling bunnies! Do you keep them together in one room? I mean rabbit lives with me in my room and I don’t actually know if I can place rabbit into the same room from day one when I get him? I actually think it would be better to give a couple of days to the cat but I don’t want to discriminate the rabbit since he is always in my room as well

[DanaNM]

Slower introductions are not a bad idea, but they can be in the same room if necessary. I recommend that bun has a safe zone that the cat is not allowed into (such as a pen or condo that can be closed). You might also consider a crate for the cat at first when they aren’t being supervised.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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